Building a Custom Steel Fire Pit

Big thank you to Lincoln Electric for sponsoring this video! Check out the current deals on plasma cutters at: goo.gl/utgKTR
For a written tutorial check out my blog at goo.gl/FP4MbQ
Facebook: / wilkerdos
Instagram: / wilker_dos
Website: wilkerdos.com/
Check out my awesome sponsor Triton Tools!: www.tritontools...
Things I Used in This Project:
Drafting Kit: goo.gl/Wi2VdM
Marker: goo.gl/UzXwiM
Welding Gloves: goo.gl/Bb3dKJ
Welding Hood: goo.gl/SBqHUh
Plasma Cutter: goo.gl/hZGzCa
Welding Cart: goo.gl/tbGaJb
Angle Grinder: goo.gl/mX6n0c
Magnets: goo.gl/B77K3F
Triton Work Center: goo.gl/T3nmdG
Dark Safety Glasses: goo.gl/PtK625
Large Compass: goo.gl/AjjuzJ
If you are local to the Fort Worth area, I purchased all my material at Discount Steel: goo.gl/Uzv1Sj

[@andrewjeffries8721]

April, it is so good to see all these videos because you want to make things and you're brave enough to go with your ideas rather than stress about it being your first time making it. I also enjoy making it all about in-the-moment (with planning) R&D for many projects. Thumbs up, lady!!

[@Carl4193]

I understand, I was a code welder for 16 yrs. there is a lot of satisfaction in being able to just do it and know that a machine can't do any better. Love your work, keep it up !

[@CrankyPantss]

Very cool, April. While that works and looks great as a fire pit alone, you're right about having the option of grilling on it, too. Those diamond cutout holes really added to the coolness of how the fire looked. Great job...as always.

[@SwitchBuilder]

Great video and kool project. You have great welding skills and a steady hand with the plasma cutter. I keep a scrap piece of plywood on the floor when using the plasma cutter as the spray can burn the concrete. Keep up the good work. Thank you.

[@WoodByWright]

Sweet! that is one fantastic fire pit.just WOW!

[@AprilWilkerson]

: ) Well thank you.

[@matthiaswandel]

Really giving ChuckE2009 a run for the money!

[@tolchm]

Matthias Wandel. best comment ever

[@AprilWilkerson]

Ha, well I don't believe that but thanks for saying it! ; ) Funny enough, he lives just 30 mins away from me.

[@rotaryrevor4756]

April Wilkerson you and Matthias should meet someday

[@davidsmith-kh8cs]

Matthias Wandel no disrespect but ChuckE2009 should be sweeping her shop

[@stephenadams1714]

Matthias Wandel ChuckE2009 is a very good welder in his own right. This gal can hold her own with anybody to make comparisons to me just doesn’t get it.

[@timwhite9255]

I know a lot of people who have been metal workers and they could not have made that project near as well. You made a lot of good decisions like leaving the diamond cutting till last. Good on you woman!

[@RobPolson]

Argggggg...Now I so NEED a plasma cutter.!!! Nice work and I think having the design on only 3 sides is best anyways.

[@ManCrafting]

I like this. Our current fire pit is a cheap HD pit with no drain holes. I was just emptying it out from today's rain since the cover for it has long ago deteriorated. My wife is wanting to dissemble our kids old playground which will give us a great area to build a fire pit. Great job April. Welds are looking solid as well.

[@johnaurand4090]

Good job. That plasma cutter makes it for an easy job.

[@hotrunny]

April ROCKS! Very impressed by your skills! Great videos, please continue the fantastic content. Thank you.

[@craftedworkshop]

Hah, nice Birkey hat! Your videos are so great, April. So impressed by your metalworking skills, you're killing it with these projects.

[@nordyfamily]

Great work, thanks for taking the time and sharing!!!

[@bludog4657]

GREAT Job!! Watching this in December 2020 and I hear you about sitting next to a fire on a cold day. PEACE!!

[@pidgeiam4979]

Wow great job. Nice job free handing with the plasma cutter it came out great looking. Keep up the nice work. -Pidge

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you!

[@JorgeAraujo]

Great project.... you never cease to amaze me with how much different things you do.

[@ericcorse]

From the way you are bundled up you made it just in time, Very nice.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Yep, but as soon as I get it built it goes from 32 degrees to 60! haha, just my luck.

[@ericcorse]

Just like NC

[@chrispearson2663]

Very nice and much better quality than the store bought ones. Another idea to finish the top would be to bend some 1/4" rod and outline it leaving a few inches of space. I think that would look cool as well.

[@samuelluria4744]

Wow, Miss Wilkerson! The things that you create are so beautiful! People who get Christmas gifts from you are very lucky!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks, glad you like it.

[@paulkelly1702]

You are a lady of many talents! I enjoy all your videos,

[@craigcoffey948]

Great video, April. You're really getting good at freehanding your cuts and welding!

[@timothybliven7485]

Looks good. I kind of like the pattern only being on three sides and not as busy as the original idea. Looking forward to part two.

[@bradymcphail9690]

fantastic video!I learned some valuable stuff from you. I've been a welder for 40 yrs. I'm so glad I found KZbin for so many reasons.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Wow that's awesome to hear from a welder. : ) Thanks.

[@bradymcphail9690]

April Wilkerson we can all learn from each other. we just need to be willing to. I wish I had known about KZbin years ago. Maybe I'd be a youtube maker by now. you're awesome! I learn a lot of very valuable techniques from you and all of my favorite KZbinrs. old dogs can learn new tricks if they wanna!

[@davethepak]

That was just awesome - thank you for sharing. It has been a great journey seeing you expand from woodworking into metal craft.

[@chrisstellato2179]

Nice work April I have been seeing your work for a while looking good

[@crossgrainwoodproductsltd9230]

Your portable fire pit came out awesome! Love the design in the side and I think you made the right desision about keeping the pattern more simple. Definitely do the swing arm grill and make it multi functional. I can smell those Texas steaks already searing on your grill,lol. Great Job!! ~Dolly

[@hoverluver]

Nice job April. Looks like a fun project. All I need is a plasma cutter and a welder. Merry Christmas

[@leksey7870]

Great place for a fire. Masterfully done! Like!

[@jts9807]

Really great job - excellent work. I also got a real kick out of seeing you sitting inside while welding, then grinding, and finally testing the stability. Very funny.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Ha, I get it done. ;)

[@maehay4065]

Nice job April and it looks pretty too!👍

[@MrPremium08]

Nice Design and great outcome. good work

[@officeadministrator4325]

You make it all sound and look simple. I have learned so much from your video"s. Especially when you first started. Thank you so much.

[@stevecoster322]

I too was reminded of the scene from Flashdance most especially when you climbed in and danced...A great video, very informative and very well shot. I used to earn my living doing lighting and power so I can certainly recognize good technique when I see it and your videos contain some great shots, e.g. the inside of the angled sides as you weld the outside, as we are treated to the red high temp. portion of the metal move smoothly down the join. That also highlights your skill with the welding...

[@talladegadude4852]

Yes, I really enjoy her eye for just the right shots and her editing too is fantastic (compared to many I've seen onyoutube). Not boring and too much of just cutting or sanding, the mundane things that have to be done. A class act to be sure!

[@woodstoney]

The diamond pattern really worked out nicely! Good Job April!

[@scott98390]

April, your creativity and attitude are an inspiration. Great video!

[@Rodrigo-kg6wo]

Beyond my skill level. But very interesting to watch! Nice job.

[@M4ngstergangster]

Beautiful design. Think it looks great with the pattern only being on three sides.

[@699hazard]

I love your work! nothing beats sitting around a fire! respect from Australia.

[@Bacoprah]

cool project. thanks for sharing. Cheers from PEI Canada, Bryan.

[@alexworks9659]

Nice work! I love that you dive in and tackle these ambitious projects! Keep it up!👍🏽

[@Retroweld]

I love the look. The swinging grill arm is a great idea.

[@WoodByWright]

that would be sweet!

[@mohamedaly4101]

I like the jig. Great work April

[@hogugly4889]

That's a cool fire pit. I like the diamond shapes in it almost makes it look quilted. I'm making my mom a fire pit and that would be a cool pattern. Thanks for sharing.

[@thebandmcomputer]

Great job April...you are a great all around DIY'er and love the video quality.

[@terrybergin4921]

Having now watched a lot of your videos, I have to say that you are not very good. No, you are very, very, very good!!! I've really enjoyed watching your entertaining and informative videos. Thanks.

[@Geeksmithing]

You killed it April!

[@FranksDIY]

Wow April I'm very impressed. You never seem to disappoint me. Love watching your builds. Cheers from Toronto Canada

[@samuelluria4744]

One of MY favorite things to do is ALSO to sit around an outside fire!!!! Too bad I'm in New Jersey.....Merry Christmas!

[@5ghostshadow]

I'm in Jersey too. We use it year round, lol. It's definitely a challenge sometimes.

[@georgebrown6540]

Is there no end to your talents? Yet anothet quality build and video, thanks for sharing.

[@michaeldraper60]

great job April beautiful looking welds your becoming good at this.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you, I'm enjoying myself!

[@michaeldraper60]

i know it gets additive i love fabricating

[@jason-ge5nr]

I like the design and proportions. That large box tube didnt look bad on the top, but the only person who needs to be happy with it is you.

[@WildmanTech]

That turned out nice April!

[@gbjones54]

April - Wow you just keep pushing yourself to learn more and more. Great Example. I told my daughter she needs to tune into your channel. She as a desire to learn and do more and I told her she can do it if she just gives it a try... Look at April - she WilkerDo's!! Merry Christmas to you and your family

[@AprilWilkerson]

That's great I hope she enjoys getting into learning!

[@kylejacobs1247]

I'm glad you opted to only cut out 3 sides. It gives the fire some wind protection and also will help keep the embers in.

[@t-toysufos4929]

April, this is very nice. Your a good welder. If I made this I would add screen to the sides like you did to the bottom. But great job!

[@andydouglass1374]

I liked the way the rectangle tube looked on the top but it looked way out of proportion to the legs. Maybe some beefier legs running down the outside of three of the corners, connecting to the bottom of the rectangle tube shelf/rim? The smaller angled legs are definitely a traditional look for patio firepits, but I think you should make that thing a monster. I would recommend welding some of that expanded metal inside the cutouts in the wall. Keep embers in and tipsy feet out. I could see some logs shifting inside and sending a decent coal out the side and into someone's flip flop. Also, our dogs like curling up dangerously close to our firepit on cooler nights. The grill is a decent idea, but having spent many hours around many campfires/firepits, I've found that I rarely am burning wood in a firepit that is suitable for cooking. At home, we save the oak for the inside fireplace and burn doug fir in the firepit, which is not so great to cook with. Things are probably different in your neck of the woods.

[@davidgreen2442]

a load of very skilled free hand work well done Maddie

[@tpobrienjr]

This is a super project, with very nice results. It gives new meaning to the term "pants on fire".

[@Cradley684]

That's great April, you should go into ship building you are getting really handy with that welding gear.

[@ulpilotrmh]

Good job. Very impressive skills.

[@SebastiaanMollema]

I like the see through effect of the diamond shapes, thumbs up!

[@robsierra516]

A must have for Winter.Thanks for sharing April

[@jilbertoromo3876]

She got mad! Skills!! That's for shure ! Great job and videos !!!

[@bonniebarber6114]

I now want a plasma torch! Great job

[@DavidWaeldervideo]

Bossed it up yoooo! Looks great April.

[@AprilWilkerson]

; ) Why thank you David, much appreciated.

[@KyleMerl]

Great video! So many helpful tips and tricks!

[@DonDegidio]

Hi April, Nice looking fire pit. Your welding skills have really improved. Was a little funny the way you sat down into the pit to weld the floor. I also love the way you design on the fly. :-) I see others have already suggested using a welding table.When you do get one it will make those metal working projects seem easier. Looking forward to watching next weeks video.

[@AprilWilkerson]

: ) Thank you, I'm enjoying welding. Yeah a table will certainly help but right now I do not have the room for a dedicated table and also since I just started on the craft I don't yet know what I want from a table. I want to do more projects and then design something I'll find very functional. In the mean time, I don't mind the floor. ; )

[@richardfuerst5188]

Wow -great video -- so glad to see your expaning your horizons from beyond woodworking - awesome video

[@talladegadude4852]

Getting better each time! This is her 4th welding project. Check out her Home Page, and look under Playlist, and it shows them.

[@izaiasschaeferjr8079]

Amazing channel, greets from Brazil!

[@uktony1525]

Best lady welder since that scene in Flashdance :-). Really nice job April.

[@metheone4]

She´s is already married.....^ ^

[@hilariongarza2390]

Te quedo padrísimo, felicidades, a disfrutarlo.

[@gregorythomas333]

That looks really nice...good job! Personally I like the every other side cut look.

[@AprilWilkerson]

: ) Thanks, I like it as well.

[@tomsdreamshopworx]

Came out great! You can tell you really enjoyed making it. Good on you!

[@angeloioculano]

April, can I have your workshop, not far to ship it to Australia, you know, just down the road. You are getting some great equipment and awesome tutorials

[@roireb1]

Your planning and layout of your projects are very well done. I enjoy watching your videos. They give me ideas to try out around my place.

[@turmat01]

Wow April! I've been a follower for a veeeery long time, pretty much since you started. You know how it is on youtube, as your interests changes, the recommendations change aswell, and the youtubers you haven't watched in a while gets pushed down the list. Well I've found your channel again, and I'm glad to se you've become quite the craftswoman! Even working with metal now! I'm very impressed! Keep up the good work!

[@johnfithian-franks8276]

Hi April Nice pit and the arm will make a great addition to it. My fear who be that someone would fall onto it and get hurt so I would have to put something on the top to ease the edges and make it safe.

[@gubigab4064]

fantastic, you're a sight when creating your projects, greetings from Italy

[@sedulousdabbler5468]

I agree with DataStorm. Round tube split length ways, so it will slide over the top lip and make welding a lot easier. Looks excellent :-)

[@UPdan]

Sharp,sharp,sharp. Love it. How about shelves on the top on both ends to finish it off instead of rails?

[@markm2302]

Awesome job! What if you cut a groove on the bottom of channel? That way you split the difference on overhang. Plus you can have 2 uprights with angled down... angled up nubs for an adjustable hotdog stick holder.

[@JUANCA708]

hola april,muy bonito trabajo y un diseño espectacular,un saludo desde el sur de españa.

[@Mitermikeswoodshop]

Nice Build April. who doesn't love a good fire pit...lol. i just got one because the old one i had finally gave out, maybe next year i will use a welder as an excuse to make another pit...honey i need a welder to make a fire pit.....might work...lol. nice idea for grilling, can't wait to see what you come up with.

[@talladegadude4852]

Looks fabulous! I even like the look of not all sides having the diamonds, but that's just my taste. The shot at the end is stunning. Great job!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Yeah I think I like just the three sides have the pattern as well. Thank you!

[@bigguy78246]

An inspiring project. Think some simple rolled stock on the top would look good. Will definitely be trying this.

[@alanm3438]

I love it. I do a lot of metal art with my cnc plasma cutter. You did a great job by hand and your welds are much better than mine. I am thinking of making one that just slides together.

[@NGinuity]

Drafting tools like that sure are handy. I bought a set when I was in high school so I didn't have to do all of my drafting assignments at school (We were still hand drafting and extremely late Cadkey/early AutoCAD back then). I still use them all the time out in the shop, and much prefer my leadholder for layout over pencils (and it will take soapstone sticks if I really want it to!). The french curve set has even been invaluable. I've often considered building another student drafting bench with a hinged top and set of parallels because I miss how comfortable it was to design that way. I feel like a grandpa in my 30's telling "kids these days" about stories from "back in my day" sometimes, and I'm not really a Luddite by any stretch of the word.

[@timw1488]

Great Work as always April, for a self taught welder you do a really good job....

[@Massimo68ac]

BUON NATALE APRIL E FELICE 2017 GRAZIE PER I TUOI VIDEO!

[@57hound]

Those welds are beautiful! Super project!

[@LivefreeanddiyTv]

Looks awesome! Nice work 🤓👍🏼

[@hyland1984]

the Texas girl got great skills. good on you. great job, April. watch your back, lifting that heavy steel. respect from Dublin

[@AprilWilkerson]

Hey I'll be coming to Dublin early next year. No worries, I always watch my back. If I can't lift something comfortably I get help.

[@hyland1984]

April Wilkerson I only say that because I use to be a steel fabricator, but my knee & back is in bits from it. haha... brilliant! you'll love it April. I've met lots of people from Texas whilst gigging around dublin over the yrs & they all loved Ireland. I always hit them with the one question: ever see stevie ray live? avoid temple bar for a piss up; tourist prices. you'll be ripped off. are you just coming on holidays or are u doing an exhibition?

[@AprilWilkerson]

I'll be doing a meet and greet in Dublin and I believe attending a show somewhere else in Ireland. As it gets closer I'll put out a video with details. I can't wait to see Ireland though.

[@hyland1984]

April Wilkerson hahaha... count me in for that one. I only discovered your channel a the other day & I haven't stopped watching your stuff. there's alot of great pubs where the real laugh happens, April. & there's alot of pubs ( I think) tourists go but they miss the buzz, the real laughter; a bunch of old guys sitting in a corner singing to themselves, someone playing a few irish tunes on a guitar. the international bar on wicklow Street wud be probably your best bet, just of the top of my head. obviously the Guinness brewery will be on your wilker to do's. it's about €20/$18. the tour takes about 2 hrs & u get to pour your own pint. as a dubliner, it's brilliant. if you can get down to the west coast, your laughing; the cliffs of mohar, the ring of kerry, connamera, Cork; dnt forget to kiss the blarney stone. that whole area is absolutely beautiful, april. I remember getting lost & ended up in a little fishing village in connamera once, & everyone was looking at us like we where from another planet; the whole village was speaking nothing but irish. hahaha we hadn't a clue what they where saying. it was very funny.

[@hyland1984]

I've noticed you like your music April. watch a movie called " the commitments". it's about setting up a soul band in Dublin. it was made about 25 yrs ago. it was a huge success over here. if u want that dublin laughter, you will laugh. your husband will enjoy it.

[@nelsonvarela2034]

Amazing work April👍

[@TheBeardedWoodworker]

I didn't recognize you in pants! Lol. That looks great, and your welds are looking pretty good too. I think he same mesh you used on the bottom would look nice in your diamonds if it starts spilling out the sides. Always love your vids. Thanks!!

[@talladegadude4852]

Cold weather now days - - it'd be crazy to wear shorts but in 100+ degree weather, you'd be crazy to wear pants!

[@wadefallin]

Cody, I hope you realize just how much money April has saved you doing all her projects! The staircase, fence air compressor feed and shed for her dust collection system would have easily totaled $20k plus in labor alone! April, you rock gal! Go Navy!

[@shadowfox929]

Nice job as usual April. You may want to consider putting some cement blocks under those legs so they don't eventual sink in the dirt due to weather. Looking forward to the next installment.

[@wvclassiclincoln1324]

I really glad to see you incorporate welding into your channel. Great job on the layout and fit up. You had some good penetration on your welds. In the future if you would like a flush finish, you can bevel both pieces then leave a small gap in between them. That way you can grind the welds flush and still have adequate strength. Stay safe and creative.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Good tip, I left them as an open joint instead of doing a butt joint in hopes the welds would come out flush. I did end up using the grinder to smooth them out before painting them though. : )

[@CalebHarris87]

Looks great, and a swinging grill arm is a brilliant idea!

[@gregaltenhofel7326]

Good job and I'm a bit jealous of the plasma cutter.

[@metheone4]

Just buy one,goof! If you cant afford one,you dont need one!!!